Secret islands of the Caribbean

Keep it under your straw hat, but there are still some corners of the Caribbean untouched by the jet set, where the vibe is laid-back and the culture remains authentic and unspoilt. Francesca Syz reveals the secret delights of the lesser-known islands. Iles des Saintes, French Antilles A string of small islands 15km south-west of Guadeloupe, the Iles des Saintes (or 'Les Saintes') are inhabited by the blue-eyed descendants of impoverished Breton colonists. The most interesting islands are the largest, Terre-de-Haut, and smaller, pancake-flat Marie-Galante. Terre-de-Haut has some great beaches, excellent snorkelling, a ruined fort with a museum and lots of little bars and cafés. Stay at Auberge Les Petits Saints (00 590 590 99 50 99; www.petitssaints.com). About 25km to the east, Marie-Galante, named by Christopher Columbus after his ship, provides a slice of traditional Caribbean life. Developed around sugar-cane production (try the sirop de batterie: sugar-cane syrup mixed with rum and lime). It has three settlements and a surprising number of good-quality restaurants and guesthouses. Stay at Village de Ménard (00 590 590 97 09 45; www.villagedemenard.com)

Carriacou, Grenadines The largest island in the Grenadines and officially part of Grenada, Carriacou has forest-covered hills that roll down to immaculate beaches. Its name means 'land of the reefs', and it is surrounded by great snorkelling spots. The ruins of sugar mills are dotted all over the island. The capital and biggest settlement, Hillsborough, dates back to the 18th century, when the naval commander Sir Ralph Abercromby set up camp here in order to attack the Spanish in the Americas. Today, you'll find guesthouses, restaurants, bars, a supermarket, a bank and a dive shop. The best accommodation option is probably a self-catering villa; try rental agent Down Island (00 1 473 443 8182; www.islandvillas.com), which has an impressive range of houses.

Andros, Bahamas Often thought of as one landmass but in reality a cluster of islands - one of which, North Andros, is the sixth biggest in the West Indies - Andros is home to the world's third-largest barrier reef. It also has an abundance of freshwater from its many rivers and inland caves, the latter producing so-called 'blue-holes', first explored by Jacques Cousteau and subsequently a major draw for cave divers from all over the world. Much of Andros's interior remains pristine and beautiful, with 104sq km of subtropical forest, home to 50 species of orchid. The islands are also famous for bone fishing. There are a few good hotels, the most luxurious of which is on South Andros, the newly revamped Tiamo (00 1 242 369 2330; www.tiamoresorts.com), which has 11 top-drawer, hand-built beach cottages.

Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands The island that so often gets overlooked in favour of Grand Cayman and Little Cayman is wonderfully rugged, full of character, and offers a truly authentic local experience. Crisscrossed by hiking trails, Cayman Brac's rocky terrain makes it an excellent option for walkers, and divers will appreciate its beautiful coral reefs and the exceptional visibility. Stay at The Alexander Hotel (00 1 345 948 8222; www.alexanderhotelcayman.com), which is a friendly, laid-back establishment owned by a local family, with a lovely pool.

Anegada, British Virgin Islands Protected by a horseshoe-shaped reef onto which many a ship has drifted over the centuries, Anegada is a great spot for diving, with more than 300 wrecks. The northernmost of the British Virgin Islands, it has remained sleepy and unspoilt thanks to its remote location. It has lovely beaches and an impressive array of wildlife, including flamingos and the Anegada rock iguana, which are now protected. The lobster here is said to be the best in the Caribbean. Stay at the family-run Neptune's Treasure (00 284 495 9439; www.neptunestreasure.com).

Bequia, St Vincent and the Grenadines Like Dominica, Bequia is increasingly included as a stop on cruise-ship itineraries, so for a few hours a day, a few times a week, holidaymakers fill the restaurants on Port Elizabeth's harbourfront. But go one block inland, to the laid-back Hibiscus Bar, for instance, and it's Bequians all the way. Friendship Bay is the largest and loveliest beach on the island, with Mustique clearly visible across the water. And there are two amazing, secluded beaches north of Friendship Bay which are accessible only on foot: the deserted Hope Bay (take a picnic) and Spring Bay. Stay at Bequia Beach Hotel, Friendship Bay (00 1 784 458 1600; www.bequiabeach.com), a 61-room classic-contemporary hotel, with spa and beachfront restaurant.

Dominica One of the many remarkable things about Dominica is the locals' passion for preserving its natural assets. The island was the first country in the world to be 'benchmarked' by Green Globe, the worldwide certification programme for the travel and tourism industry. It has established three reserves to preserve and protect its marine environment and is home to the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean: Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Stay at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa (00 1 767 446 1789; www.junglebaydominica.com). Published in Condé Nast Traveller April 2011.